Durham Scientist Engaged in Groundbreaking Research on 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
Durham scientist Rebecca Robertson is aboard the Chikyu drilling ship as part of an international team investigating the 2011 Tohoku earthquake through the JTRACK project. The team aims to analyze fault materials and sediment to understand the earthquake’s unique characteristics, which resulted in significant infrastructure damage and a humanitarian crisis in Japan.
A scientist from Durham University, Rebecca Robertson, is collaborating with an international team aboard the Chikyu deep-sea drilling vessel, conducting research on the 2011 Tohoku earthquake off Japan’s east coast. This study, part of the Tracking Tsunamigenic Slip Across the Japan Trench (JTRACK) project, aims to drill through the fault zone responsible for the earthquake. The team has made significant progress in sampling geological materials and has already installed a monitoring observatory in the fault, gathering high-resolution imaging that will provide insights into the cause of this unprecedented seismic event.
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, one of the largest recorded in history, triggered a powerful tsunami that devastated parts of Japan and led to significant loss of life and property. The earthquake caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and displaced thousands of residents. In the years following this disaster, various scientific initiatives have aimed to study the geological factors behind such catastrophic events. The JTRACK project represents a continuation of these efforts, diving deeper into the mechanisms of subduction zones that were previously misunderstood.
The ongoing research facilitated by the JTRACK project seeks to elucidate the complexities behind the Tohoku earthquake, particularly its unusual fault displacement characteristics. By examining the fault material and deep-sea sediments, researchers hope to enhance understanding of seismic activity in subduction zones, ultimately contributing to improved earthquake forecasting and risk management strategies globally.
Original Source: www.durham.ac.uk
